#Duncan Ashe

[weirdcursedvaultkid]

good things come in threes!

[marmotish]

Need inspiration for art, you say?…

Tarzan!Freyja.

And the “Jane” she carries over her shoulder is either Chester, Roger, Duncan, or Barnaby.

Chester: bruh why is he even here he’s the equivalent of an accountant jk jk he would probably be the closest equivalent to Jane, but more susceptible to fainting spells from the heat. Freyja found him after one such spell and takes him to her treehouse or tree to recover. Would have the most Tarzan/Milo x Jane/Kida dynamic with Freyja, maybe.

Roger: read all of the adventure/swashbuckling books and somehow thought that was enough knowledge to go exploring himself. Prepared for the likely scenario of finding and rescuing a delicate native damsel in distress from a dangerous jaguar. Not so prepared for being on the run from an angry family/army of baboons, and even less so for being rescued by a capable, amazonian young woman. Freyja is confused and slightly annoyed by how this guy keeps getting into trouble (totally not staging scenarios in which he can rescue her only for something to go wrong and needing to be rescued instead, again)

Duncan: his parents were probably explorers that found and rescued Jacob and brought him home to be a playmate to Duncan, not realizing J was separated from his sister. Years later, Jacob and Duncan return to the Jungle in Africa because the former had a gut feeling his sister was still alive. What were the chances that his grumpy, grumbling best friend would be the one who would find —well, be found by— the long lost little sister? A…slightly-taller-and-slightly-buffer-than-he-was little sister? No Jacob, he is not blushing he is flushed from the heat thank you very much.

Barnaby: he came for the animals, obviously. Freyja stopped him from hugging an angry gorilla. He adopted her as a new friend.

so … orphans Jacob and Freyja got separated in the African jungle as children, where unbeknownst to Freyja, Jacob got taken back to the UK. Freyja remained in the jungle a little while alone until she was found by missionaries. They managed to keep her “tame and civilised” until age 14 or so when she escaped back to the jungle, and has been there at least a decade.

Having no desire to leave the jungle until she finds Jacob, she puts up a hostile front to any people who wander through her part of the jungle. People pass through occasionally, either

by accident (Chester)

((in which case she is more likely to give them safe passage in exchange for their promise to discourage others from coming through that part of the jungle. “There’s a demon living out there! I barely got away with my life!”))

from curiosity (Roger)

the curious ones are more dangerous in Freyja’s opinion. They’re more likely to try and “re-educate her” and “bring her back to civilisation” to “fulfil her natural role” as some have attempted to do in the past. It didn’t end well for them.

or a little bit of both (Barnaby)

some friendly people have come through Freyja’s part of the jungle in the past 10 years, and have gifted knowledge on self defence/trapping and items like books/material. Other items she acquired by simply looting. So by the time Jacob drags Duncan to the other side of the world to find his long-lost sister, she is more than capable of defending herself against strangers.

[rairolin]

Me? I quote Fred Flinstone. Yabba dabba doo. ☠️

[hphm-jeniferltheman]

𝔑𝔬 𝔪𝔞𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔡𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔞𝔫𝔠𝔢, 𝔫𝔬 𝔪𝔞𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔡𝔦𝔣𝔣𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔫𝔠𝔢 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔫𝔬 𝔪𝔞𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔥𝔬𝔴 𝔲𝔫𝔣𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔲𝔫𝔞𝔱𝔢 𝔩𝔦𝔣𝔢 𝔠𝔞𝔫 𝔟𝔢, 𝔫𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔠𝔞𝔫 𝔟𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔨 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔟𝔬𝔫𝔡 𝔟𝔢𝔱𝔴𝔢𝔢𝔫 𝔰𝔦𝔟𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔰 𝔴𝔥𝔬'𝔰 𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔱𝔬 𝔡𝔬 𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔯𝔶𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔢𝔞𝔠𝔥 𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯.

I always forgot to post here but here it is! I'm just glad this is finally finished and I'll be able to focus for midterms now. Hope you enjoy!

[ariparri]

Undeserving

HPHM Cardverse Masterlist | Blog Masterlist

The Hogwarts Mystery Cardverse is an AU that takes place in a fantasy land called Cinderhaven. There are five regions, four of them representing a suit of cards; Spades, Clubs, Hearts, Diamonds. The final region representing the Jokers.

Here it is, finally! Rakepick's backstory and motive! I kept this one short since I didn’t plan to make her backstory too long, just a good enough description on why she’s the way she is. To put things simply, she’s mad because the newer official role holders are all younger than her and some were literally handed their positions on silver platters while she worked her damn butt off to get her position.

In the illustrious Country of Spades, where work flowed like the rivers and power lay in the hands of a select few, Patricia Rakepick was born into the esteemed House of Rakepick. From her earliest years, she was immersed in a world of privilege and expectation, the weight of her family's legacy pressing down upon her young shoulders like a suffocating cloak.

Raised within the imposing walls of her family's estate, Patricia's childhood was marked with rigorous education and training. Her parents, stern and unyielding, demanded nothing short of perfection from their daughter, instilling in her a relentless drive for excellence that burned bright within her.

But it was in the hallowed halls of the military academy that Patricia truly found her calling. She excelled in her studies, displaying an insatiable hunger for knowledge and a keen intellect that set her apart from her peers. Improving her skills in combat and strategy, driven by a burning desire to prove herself worthy of her family's legacy.

As she ascended through the ranks, Patricia's ambition knew no bounds. She set her sights on the coveted position of Ace of Spades, the highest rank in the country’s military hierarchy, a title reserved for only the most skilled commanders. Her prowess on the battlefield became legendary, her name whispered in awe and fear by those who knew of her exploits. But even as she carved out her place among the country’s elite soldiers, a shadow of resentment lingered in her heart.

Unlike Patricia Rakepick, who had clawed her way to the top through sheer force and will, Duncan Ashe had been handed his position on a silver platter, his ascent to becoming the next Jack of Spades was swift and seemingly effortless. Under the watchful eye of his mentor, Ulrich Scheller, the mastermind behind the country’s intricate web of finances and policies, Duncan had risen through the ranks with alarming speed, his youth and charm masking a cunning intellect that belied his years.

Even as he was still attending university, Duncan's influence within Ulrich's cabinet was already felt far and wide. His reports and recommendations were eagerly awaited by those in power, his insights and analysis proving invaluable in guiding the country through troubled times.

As Duncan was appointed the new Jack of Spades, another figure emerged from the shadows: Coby McQuaid, the king who never truly sought the crown. Coby's ascension to the throne was a twist of fate orchestrated by his closest friend and confidant, Duncan Ashe. Coby McQuaid never envisioned himself wearing the crown. His days were filled with adventure and laughter, not with the weighty responsibilities of rulership. Despite his initial reservations, Coby embraced his newfound position with characteristic optimism. He may not have been well-versed in the intricacies of governance, but he possessed a deep love for his people and a genuine desire to see them thrive.

As Patricia Rakepick's thirst for power intensified, so too did the darkness that lurked within her soul. Fueled by resentment and driven by ambition, she became a formidable force to be reckoned with in the Country of Spades. Overhearing the conversation between King Coby and Duncan about the possibility of adding Veruca McQuaid, Coby's sister, to the council only served to stoke the flames of Patricia's anger. In her eyes, it was yet another example of undeserving individuals being handed positions of power without earning them.

Determined to prove herself superior to Coby and Duncan, Patricia's ambition twisted into something darker and more insidious. She became ruthless and cunning, willing to cross any line to achieve her goals, no matter the cost. With each passing day, Patricia's thirst for power grew, consuming her from within like a relentless hunger. She manipulated events and people with calculated precision, leaving a trail of destruction in her wake.

But as she climbed the ladder of success, leaving a path of devastation in her wake, Patricia's grip on reality began to slip. The lines between right and wrong blurred, and she found herself teetering on the edge of madness. Yet, even as the darkness threatened to consume her, Patricia remained determined to claim her rightful place among the elite of Spades. For in a country where power was the ultimate currency and ambition the driving force behind every action, she would stop at nothing to emerge victorious.

As Patricia Rakepick's fame as a war hero grew, so did her influence within the Country of Spades. Leveraging her reputation and military prowess, she capitalized on the dissatisfaction brewing among the people regarding King Coby's laid-back nature and perceived ineffectiveness as a ruler.

With a shrewd understanding of political maneuvering, Patricia exploited Coby's relaxed style of governance as a potent weapon against him. She paid off news reporters to spread gossip about Coby's extravagant spending habits, painting him as out of touch with the needs of the common folk. The whispers of discontent among the council members and the general populace provided fertile ground for Patricia to sow seeds of dissent. As she positioned herself as a strong and decisive leader, contrasting sharply with Coby's perceived weaknesses, she garnered widespread support among the disillusioned masses.

Patricia's promise of swift and decisive action resonated with many, particularly those who longed for a return to old-school traditions and values. Veterans, in particular, rallied behind her banner, viewing her as a champion of stability and order in a time of uncertainty. Under Patricia's leadership, she demanded absolute loyalty from her supporters, particularly from her military forces. Those who dared to question her authority or stray from her path were swiftly dealt with, sent off to the metaphorical "gulag" as a warning to others.

While some embraced Coby’s vision for the future of Spades, others clung stubbornly to the past, resisting change and viewing Coby's carefree demeanor as a sign of weakness. Yet, as the winds of political upheaval swept through the country, it became increasingly clear that the days of Coby's reign were numbered, and the era of Patricia Rakepick's iron-fisted rule was on the horizon.

[carewyncromwell]

"No more, the crap rolls out your mouth again! Haven't changed -- your brain is still gelatin! Little whispers circle around your head... Why don't you worry about yourself instead!?"

~"Holier Than Thou" by Metallica

x~x~x~x

[transcribed from art, for easier translation]

Olivia: Cool your jets, Jacob, that prat isn't worth it. Duncan: Better to get back at Lockhart when there isn't a Hall full of witnesses around. Olivia: Not helping, Duncan.

x~x~x~x

Happy belated birthday, Jacob Cromwell!

In celebration (?), I thought I'd salute one of my personal favorite headcanons about Jacob that I haven't had much of a chance to explore...namely, that Jacob shared a dormroom with the one, the only Gilderoy Lockhart!

Yes, as you can imagine, Jacob hated Lockhart's bloody guts. 😂

Really, though, it wasn't hard for Jacob to hate Lockhart when that "toothy prat" would act like the smartest guy in the room and yet cowardly avoid any challenges or duels that could contradict that overly shiny self-image Lockhart had of himself. Old Gilderoy was also prone to grab more attention from female students than Jacob did, even with his ridiculously puffed-up ego, for his good looks and (marginally) better people skills. Oh yeah -- and then there was Lockhart's attempt to marginalize Jacob, Duncan, and Olivia's hard work dealing with the Cursed Vaults terrorizing Hogwarts by acting like he'd suspected how to break each curse all along and (even more insultingly) insinuating that it was really him who'd instructed the three Cursebreakers in the methods they'd used to break them. Lockhart even brashly reiterated this one infamous Valentine's Day in his and the Trio's fifth year when he received 800 Valentine's cards and presents (which, as it turned out, were all from Lockhart to himself) --

" -- such beautiful gifts and cards! No doubt from fans both across and outside Hogwarts itself! They must've heard of my heroic efforts toward helping break the curses on the Cursed Vaults! Taught Duncan Ashe everything he knows about puzzle solving...and poor Miss Green was clueless in dealing with those boggarts until I showed her the proper method! And those Acromantula, ho ho...I daresay our favorite Cursebreakers would've been helpless in communicating with those beasts, if it weren't for me teaching Jacob some basic phrases..."

Even if his friends successfully held Jacob back physically, they didn't stop him from verbally tearing into Lockhart.

"'TAUGHT ME SOME PHRASES?!' Acromantula are capable of HUMAN SPEECH, you brain-dead numpty!"

Ultimately Lockhart's little stunt came to an end when the Great Hall had to be cleared of students so the teachers could properly deal with the 800 owls and their 800 packages and letters cluttering up the room. Lockhart's interest in stealing credit for dealing with the Cursed Vaults waned for a short time after Olivia's disappearance, Duncan's death, and Jacob's expulsion, but came back in full when Jacob's sister Carewyn likewise had to deal with them. Fortunately Lockhart failed to collect enough information about Carewyn's adventures to take credit for them and was forced to retreat with a very basic Memory Charm as his goodbye before she or her date Andre Egwu could put together his true intentions. And more fortunately still, about six years later, Lockhart got his just desserts when all of the lies he told to score cheap fame and success came to light.

No one was more pleased when the world finally conjured up enough brain cells to see Lockhart for the idiot and fraud he was than Jacob Cromwell. And ironically enough, the world had also finally conjured up enough brain cells to see for who Jacob really was by then -- not a delinquent as so many had presumed for so long, but an eccentric, brilliant wizard with iron-clad loyalty, incredible magical talent, and a heart as brave as Lockhart's is cowardly.

[mina1007]

Aaaah accident, I accidentally deleted it! xc I want to add detail that does not tell me to delete it

Narumi knows about Noah's feelings for the girl named Janeth Bennet [by - @yoselin-uyu ], but he never admits it to confess his feelings, due to how proud he is (Slytherin )

And how Narumi takes advantage to bother him and ask what she wants and if she doesn't, she is able to say it

[usernoneexistent]

School's out for Summer (August entry for @hp-12monthsofmagic)

Guess this will be the first in a new one shot series with stories behind photos and polaroids.

Warnings: Some spoilers about the cursed vaults

Hogwarts has recently finished the year, and students have returned home for the Summer. Jacob was frustrated that he had only managed to open one of the cursed vaults when, ideally, he would instead do more, though a thing called OWLs was in the way. He already got an earful from his father about his recent increase in detention and a lecture on what happens when he doesn't focus on his studies.

However, the sleepwalking curse had caused many issues: students in the hospital wing, including one who never woke up. He wasn't sure how he felt about it or if he felt anything at all.

Jacob had welcomed his friends Olivia and Duncan to use his house as their meeting point during the holidays. He had a practical attic bedroom and an excellent storage place for their research during the holidays.

Olivia and Duncan came; the younger Slytherin took the knight bus while Olivia used the train to reach his house. Luckily, his father was away hiding at work, and his mother would be fine with his friend over as she had to look after Juniper anyway.

"Did you add all our research to the box? "Olivia inquired, flopping onto Jacob's soft white duvet.

"Aye, Ma and Pa cannae open it, "Jacob assured.

Duncan crouched down to peer at the locked brown box and lifted it to shake. He tried opening it himself but to no avail. The dark wood was chipped and damaged by dropping onto the ground and by age. His family possessed the box for generations passed on by his grandfather. The attic was perfect for hiding research in plain sight. His mother was too busy with his little sister to notice, and his father couldn't care less to rummage through his room.

"Wow, this is sealed tight. "Duncan tried to flick the lock open. He winced as he accidentally scratched his finger on the metal lock. "So no one can access it? "

"Unless they have legilimency. "Jacob stated.

They heard the creeks of the wooden stairs as Duncan hurriedly shoved the box behind him.

"Jacob dear, sorry to disturb you," his mother reluctantly pulled the privacy curtain. It separated the attic by his bed and the rest of the stuff they stored on the other side. "I just wanted to ken if you and your friends want any snacks? Apple juice? Pumpkin pastry?"

"Yeah, do you guys want anything to eat? Ma makes the best pumpkin pie."Jacob asked Duncan and Olivia.

"The pumpkin is freshly grown in our garden." His mum added eagerly.

"Yes please, Ms Moss. "Duncan cheerily answered. Olivia simply nodded. They waited for her to leave.

"Do you think she heard anything? "Olivia lowered her voice.

"No, besides, Juniper is usually very noisy when she plays especially today, "Jacob assured. Downstairs was the muffled babbling of his six-year-old year sister. She was in a huff when Jacob told her to leave him alone when his friends came over, so she was determined to make herself heard as she read anything she could, though most of the stories were made up.

"You can hear her now," Olivia chuckled.

"Aye, she might be mad at me for not letting her hang out with us," Jacob rubbed his hands together.

"She's going to be a handful when she starts Hogwarts." Duncan mischievously grinned. Jacob feared that Duncan would likely teach her and give her prank ideas.

His mum came back with the promised pumpkin pastry and apple juice. She also came along with a camera. His mum has been obsessed with photographing and making photo album scrapbooks for years. She insisted on taking a photo since there were so few of Jacob with his friends. They politely smiled at the picture before leaving the teenagers alone.

"Nice that she gave us copies." Duncan mused at the Polaroid. The smooth picture fiddled between his fingers. He got up, no longer needing to guard the box and looked around Jacob's shelves.

"And mine will end up in some scrapbook." Jacob dryly commented. He placed it on the desk next to the bed.

"But it's still sweet of her to do it. We hardly have any photos of the three of us as it is." Olivia pointed out. The Polaroid was more carefully held in her hands, truly treasuring it.

Duncan pulled something out of his shelves. Rattles followed Duncan's moves as he held a slightly torn cardboard box. "I didn't know you had snakes and ladders?"

"What if I told you I enchanted it to move," Jacob added. Olivia and Duncan gawked at him.

Snakes and ladders was a muggle board game that he found in a flea market nearby. Jacob loved collecting muggle nick-nacks. His grandpa had shown him how to move paintings and objects, bringing them to life.

"Now we have to play it. Budge up!" Duncan squeezed himself between the older Ravenclaws. He sets out the board and counters on the bouncy bed.

"I fully agree." Olivia chimed in.

"Okay then." Jacob half-heartedly chuckled. The cursed vaults can wait another day. However, none of them didn't know that this Summer would be one of the last peaceful days they would have.

[akaisenhatake]

'four good friends'

i loved you i loved you i loved you its true

i wanted to be you and do what you do

i lived here i loved here i thought it was true

i feel so stupid i feel so used

i feel so used

[jacobscursebreakerlilsis]

“Yeah the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”

[maleliddell]

🏳️‍🌈?

These three are a gold mine in memes and I plan to take advantage of it 🤙🏻

[marmotish]

What would Freyja look like if she went to the yule ball with chester/duncan?

So Freyja was kind of busy at the time of the Yule Ball in 1995, but there were other balls to attend some years after that!

(With Chester)

She convinced him to invite her to a private ball being held by a Ministry Official, because she needed information and access to the Official’s house.

(With alive!Duncan)

she was invited to a milestone Deathday party, and bribed Duncan to come along with her. For her own entertainment, really.

[tiny-chiro]

I introduce to you Jacob Crowen

[lisin-drw]

25 & 34 for Joy, 26 & 31 for Jac! 💖 @shabthw

MC asks

I love that you called their nickname 💖

- Joslyn -

25. What is MC's favourite magical creature?

Winged horse, like Abraxan, Thestral, etc.

Basically she likes horse-like creatures.

34. What's their favorite thing to do when they're on a date?

Star gazing

- Jacob -

26. What's MCs favourite part of the Creature Reserve? (Grasslands, Forest, etc.)

Forest

31. Who is MC's least favourite Professor?

Snape. He's too difficult for him 😂

Jacob: Why me too?!

[ariparri]

Now that Bill's story is done and posted what story should I work on for Cardverse?

Currently only plan to write for characters that already have a design with the exception of Beatrice. But since I need to work more on Jokers and the other regions, I can make Beatrice's design with the story. If it gets chosen that is.

[ramblings-of-a-mad-cat]

I don't know if they're the question in here or I'm just here ramble, so I apologize in advance. I'm thinking a lot about Hogwarts Mystery.

I think that jam city really messed up by trying to create so many classmates for MC. if they had focused on the original four or so they could have done something really interesting with parallel arcs to what happened during Jacob's years.

for example we have MC dealing with this constant worry that maybe Jacob wasn't as good as they thought. or the idea that maybe he went crazy maybe he isn't who we thought he was. we also have the MC consistently dealing with visions and people not trusting them. they could grapple with this concept of can they even trust themself. and are they going to turn out like their brother.

Then we have Ben & Rowan and Duncan and Olivia.

Rowan dying in story was very bizarre because it didn't feel well set up in a lot of ways. the idea of them dying is interesting because they have such clear goals but in story it didn't work cuz where did they come from etc etc. but I think it could have worked in a thematic sense especially if we played into the parallel between Duncan and Rowan. If I'm remembering the lore correctly. Duncan and Jacob were best friends looking for the cursed vaults, they also probably got sucked into it a little bit too much at least Jacob did and Duncan must have gone along with it to some extent. Obsession seems to be a family trait and Roman deeply cared for MC. So them dying could play into this concept of history repeating itself.

It also could play into the concept of MC doubting themselves because their best friend is dead.

Moreover it would be even more thematic if Rowan were to come back as a ghost. in canon they didn't finish their goals and they died young, a perfect candidate. I love the idea that maybe there could be an extended arc where MC tries to make it up to Rowan or grapples with the fact that they cause them the state they're in. but we can also have a breaking of the cycle by allowing the MC and Ben a chance to reconcile with Rowan.

I don't know if any of this made sense if you're reading this thank you.

Rambling is quite literally the name of the game on this blog, dear anon. You are always welcome here with questions, comments, ideas, or anything else.

I sort of agree and disagree. I think the large ensemble of creative and interesting characters this game has given us is easily it’s greatest strength. However, there are too many. There are simply too many, more than the game knows what to do with. The developers keep adding more, rather than focusing on the existing cast. They add new characters even after a point where they’d have nothing to do. Victor and Alanza are perhaps the greatest victims of this phenomenon. They could have been cut. It would have changed very little. Honestly, I believe the game could handle far more than four characters, that it was doing just fine for a while with the cast it had, especially during the first half of Year 6 when it seemed like they were done adding brand new characters…but it wasn’t to be. Nonetheless, I’d be interested to see your version of events, where the game focuses on four core characters.

MC’s relationship with Jacob and how they feel about him was a major story development that affected everything about their character and the game’s mystery. Was. Everything about Jacob, including his moral ambiguity, seemed to fade away once he was rescued. He did nothing after that point, apart from a few obligatory appearances that didn’t live up to their full potential. He was there in the Sunken Vault, why did he get no rematch with Rakepick? Or even dialogue with her? Jacob would have served the story a lot better if…and this is going to sound cruel…if he had been the one to die in the Forbidden Forest. Because you’re right, Rowan’s death was weirdly dealt with. MC had barely interacted with them since Year 2.

But I think you’re right. There’s definitely an echo to be found here, between Duncan and Rowan. If Rowan had been present throughout the game’s story, it could have had more impact. I mean, their death was foreshadowed. Under the Imperius Curse, Rowan forced MC to choose between themself and Ben to die. Then there was the priceless line, “I’ll miss you when Madam Rakepick kills you.” The one thing I have to disagree with you on is Rowan coming back as a ghost. If this game wasn’t a prequel and it was possible for them to return and succeed Professor Binns, I suppose that would be one thing. But part of Rowan’s goal is the dramatic irony behind it. From the start, they wanted to be the youngest Professor in Hogwarts history, but we all knew that would never happen. Because we read the books, and Rowan wasn’t there. Beyond that…returning as a ghost is well established in this universe to be something most people don’t do. That it’s only an imitation of existence that people choose because they fear death, and thus never get to know the afterlife. They don’t get to board a train. I don’t think Rowan would do that, and that point is made in the Head Kid TLSQ, my all time favorite quest.